Raytek® Introduces MI3 Series Noncontact Infrared Temperature Sensors

Versatile, high-performance IR thermometers offer lowest installed cost per measurement point

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., June 14, 2010 — Raytek®, a leading worldwide provider of infrared (IR) thermometry, has introduced the MI3 Series of infrared temperature measurement sensors. The MI3 Series represents a new generation of performance and innovation in noncontact temperature monitoring for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) applications and manufacturing processes.

The Raytek MI3 sensors deliver industry-leading performance and flexibility at the lowest installed cost per measurement point. Combining a rugged IP65 (NEMA 4) stainless steel sensing head with a separate communication module, the MI3 is designed to meet virtually any noncontact temperature measurement requirement.

According to Bill Kolbeck, Raytek Product Manager - Point Sensor Products, infrared thermometers, such as the MI3, are the fastest, safest and most cost-effective way to measure critical temperatures necessary for process control and automation. “Energy costs are typically one of the top three operating expenses in any manufacturing facility, and process heating is the largest portion of this expense,” said Kolbeck. “The Raytek MI3 reduces energy costs by allowing tighter process control and more efficient process heating. Improved control performance usually results in less product variation, higher product quality and increased throughput.”

Kolbeck indicated the new MI3 sensor provides all the functionality of the proven Raytek MI Series with significant new features. These include a broad choice of sensing head temperature ranges and spectral responses, a standard USB 2.0 digital interface for easy sensor set-up and configuration, a fully programmable electronics platform, and response times as fast as 20 mSec. The thermometer’s innovative multiple sensing head interface supports up to eight individually addressable heads per communication box.

The Raytek MI3 Series sensors offer a choice of scalable 0/4 to 20 mA and 0 to 5/10 VDC analog outputs, or Type J, K, R or S thermocouple outputs, as well as an optional RS485 network interface – thus, enabling seamless integration into existing control equipment or OEM systems.

Standard USB 2.0 communication facilitates sensor configuration and is valuable for troubleshooting when the device is installed in hostile or remote locations. Additionally, this capability saves maintenance time and minimizes technician exposure to hazardous environments. Robust field calibration software also allows on-site calibration of sensors, which further reduces service time and expense.

Thanks to precision, high-resolution silicon optics, the MI3 sensors provide a range of optical resolutions (2:1, 10:1 or 22:1) at a very attractive price. For high-volume OEM applications, the sensing heads allow a direct digital interface to the host machine controller.

The MI3MCOMM multichannel communications box supports up to four high-performance, miniature sensing heads in a convenient DIN-mountable package. All sensor-operating parameters are easily accessed and configured through the standard user interface with large backlit LCD display, or with the powerful Raytek DataTemp® multidrop software via the USB 2.0 digital interface.

The MI3’s user-programmable, isolated alarm output is an easy way to achieve alarm and control redundancy or provide simple on/off control capabilities. Its optically isolated relay allows for local alarm capability, eliminating the need for separate limit switches or alarms.

Other standard MI3 features include: adjustable emissivity, transmissivity, peak hold, valley hold and signal averaging; and configurable inputs for emissivity control, ambient background compensation and trigger/hold input.

For more information about the Raytek MI3 Series sensors, visit http://www.raytek.com.

About Raytek
Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, Raytek, a Fluke company, is the worldwide leader in noncontact temperature measurement. Raytek designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of infrared (IR) temperature measurement instruments for industrial, maintenance and quality control applications. Raytek distributes its products worldwide with subsidiaries located in Europe and China. For more information, visit http://www.raytek.com.

Contact Information

Arlene Lucas Starrh

Sr. Global Marketing Communications Manager

Raytek

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